Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe (Rich, Creamy, No-Bake Dessert)

Ingredients

• 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 2 tbsp sugar (divided)
• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

• Melt the chopped chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short microwave bursts, stirring until smooth like a Kenny G song.
• Let it cool slightly (you want it warm, not hot).
• In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1 tbsp sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
• Slowly stir in the melted chocolate mixture until smooth and glossy.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
• Add the remaining 1 tbsp sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
• In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla until soft peaks form.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until it’s mostly combined (keep it light and airy).
• Fold in the egg whites in two additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture. (The goal is a smooth, fluffy mousse.)
• Spoon into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours until set.
• Serve chilled and throw on your favorite toppings like whipped cream, berries, or shaved chocolate!

Tips & Variations

• Let the chocolate cool slightly before mixing.. too hot of a temperature will scramble the eggs!
• Fold gently (this is what keeps it delightfully airy instead of dense).
• For a slightly sweeter mousse, use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
• Add a splash of espresso or coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor.
• Want it extra stable? Chill your bowl before whipping the cream (the cold bowl makes it whip up faster and hold form better).
• Add 1–2 tablespoons of Kahlúa to the melted chocolate mixture for a subtle mocha flavor that makes the mousse taste a little richer and adds a fabulous hint of naughty to the mousse;)

If you’re craving easy make-ahead pudding desserts, check out this fast and easy Banana Cream Poke Cake, this shockingly decadent Gooey Quadruple Chocolate Oreo Cake, these Chocolate Strawberry Trifle Cups and of course…the famous Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe layers of vanilla wafers, barely ripe bananas, and cloud-like whipped pudding that chills into something creamy, nostalgic, and totally addictive!

If you love easy desserts, don’t miss this collection of epic cake mix desserts: Cake Mix Desserts (Easy Recipes That Taste Homemade).